Peak Renewables progresses plans for Fort Nelson, B.C., pellet plant

Peak Renewables has made progress on its plans to turn a former Canfor OSB plant in Fort Nelson, B.C., into a pellet plant by securing the sale of existing OSB equipment.

In a recent project update on their website, Peak Renewables said the sale will kickstart activity on site over the coming months as crews are mobilized to dismantle and remove the OSB equipment.

“The equipment removal marks a pivotal milestone in our aspirations to re-open the facility as a pellet producing plant as the removal makes space for pellet manufacturing equipment,” Peak Renewables said in the update.

Peak partnered with Fort Nelson First Nation on the pellet facility, and the First Nation will be the main fibre supplier.

Lack of viable rail access continues to impede the project, Peak said, but reported that CN Rail is working to overcome the challenge with a timely, cost-effective solution.

“Peak is working with CN Rail, First Nations, potential investors, and others on solutions to the rail issues, but ultimately the B.C. government will need to come to the table as part of the overall solutions. That will take all of us working together,” the company said in the update.